Long considered one of rap’s great innovative groups, Wu-Tang Clan is back in time for the holidays with their fifth studio release, 8 Diagrams. The album opens with a grimy street rap, Campfire, but the production often shifts to smoother, more guitar-oriented beats like the CD’s first single The Heart Gently Weeps, a definite transition from Wu’s hood past.

It’s not bad that Wu-Tang would change their style up this late in their careers, but it’s certainly unexpected. Because of this new style, 8 Diagrams struggles at times, coming off more as a body of work looking for its identity, rather than a group of polished rappers putting out a finished product.

Download:
Street beats with Shaolin style.

For those who like:
Wolves, The Heart Gently Weeps, Unpredictable

Listen to it when:
You are learning to diversify your bonds, nigga.